The History of the French Empire
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- #frenchempire #france #history
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If you were asked to pick out France on a map, you would most likely choose this area in Europe, bounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the land borders shared with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra. You would also be right to point out the island of Corsica; however, this is not the only part of France that is separated from the mainland, for the nation’s territory actually extends far beyond the confines of continental Europe.
From the far-flung tropics of the Pacific, to the dense rainforests of South America and the storm-battered coasts of Canada, there are thirteen islands and territories scattered across the globe that are collectively referred to as France d'outre-mer (or Overseas France). With a combined population of over 2.8 million people, these are the last imperial vestiges of France’s once mighty colonial empire.
In a period of little over 400 years, the zeal and daring of French explorers allowed the nation to exert its control and influence across many regions of the world, stretching from the Rocky Mountains all the way to Tahiti.
But how did this empire, which at multiple times in history stood as the second largest in the world, become reduced to only a handful of sparsely populated and isolated territories? This is the history of the French Empire.
The French colonial empire comprised the overseas colonies, protectorates, and mandate territories that came under French rule from the 16th century onward. A distinction is generally made between the "First French colonial empire", that existed until 1814, by which time most of it had been lost or sold, and the "Second French colonial empire", which began with the conquest of Algiers in 1830. On the eve of World War I, France's colonial empire was the second largest in the world after the British Empire.
France began to establish colonies in the Americas, the Caribbean, and India in the 16th century but lost most of its possessions following its defeat in the Seven Years' War. The North American possessions were lost to Britain and Spain, but Spain later returned Louisiana to France in 1800. The territory was then sold to the United States in 1803. France rebuilt a new empire mostly after 1850, concentrating chiefly in Africa as well as Indochina and the South Pacific. As it developed, the new French empire took on roles of trade with the metropole, supplying raw materials and purchasing manufactured items. Especially after the disastrous Franco-Prussian War, which saw Germany become the leading economic and military power of Continental Europe, acquiring colonies and rebuilding an empire was seen as a way to restore French prestige in the world. It was also to provide manpower during the world wars.
A major goal was the Mission civilisatrice or "Civilizing Mission". France sent small numbers of settlers to its empire, with the notable exception of Algeria, where the French settlers took power while being a minority.
In World War II, Charles de Gaulle and the Free French took control of the overseas colonies one-by-one and used them as bases from which they prepared to liberate France. Historian Tony Chafer argues: "In an effort to restore its world-power status after the humiliation of defeat and occupation, France was eager to maintain its overseas empire at the end of the Second World War." However, after 1945 anti-colonial movements began to challenge European authority. Major revolts in Indochina and Algeria proved very expensive and France lost both colonies. After these conflicts, a relatively peaceful decolonization took place elsewhere after 1960. The French Constitution of 27 October 1946 (Fourth French Republic) established the French Union, which endured until 1958. Newer remnants of the colonial empire were integrated into France as overseas departments and territories within the French Republic. These now total altogether 119,394 km2 (46,098 sq. miles), with 2.8 million people in 2021. Links between France and its former colonies persist through La francophonie, the CFA franc, and joint military operations such as Operation Serval.
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Hi, great video,I wanted to know if you could consider a history of the German empire in your series!
Like 🎉🎉🎉
Beautiful exploration! I'm originally from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe! It's worth mentioning that France had very few European settlers in their overseas territories except Quebec and maybe Algeria before the independence. The Caribbean was mostly ruled by a very few "entrepreneurs" called the békés who made fortunes out of slavery and the plantation economy. Over 80% of the population of these islands are of African descent, and the remanence includes a non-negligible white European French population (mostly government workers), and lastly very few mixed-race minorities. Socially speaking racial tension is still prevalent, and there is an ongoing debate over independence because many Guadeloupeans feel like second-class citizens, but won't take their independence out of the economic debacle that may result from it. Out of all the independent islands, we have the highest standard of living and most young people can study in Europe and North America thanks to our EU passport.
What is the median income on Gwada?
According to the Internet its around 1700€ / month, is that correct or does this only count for "government" employees?
Amazing. The edit is just spectacular ❤
Really nice video, insane that the French Empire's reach was so extensive, and still is. Underrated, more people need to see this!
Initially they were trading posts, like those of the Compagnie des Indes, where the French bought and sold goods with the natives. The islands, mostly uninhabited, were used for refueling. Then some French people started to settle down.
I dunno why but in your maps you miss Burkina Faso in the colonial empires. My French ancestor work in that colony and was even one of the commanders of this one.
Can you tell more about Tamazgha North Africa history
You didn’t even mention all the French colonies still active in Africa and levant using military force.
Ridiculous. There is military bases all over the world. Not to invade the host country !! 😂😂😂
great video
France never reached anything in anywhere was always second after Britain, Spain, even behind of Portugal
Love this channel
Only utilisation
Me interesting when Europeans coming to other nation why it’s legal and ok. But when non Europeans coming to Europe it’s bad
French language ⚜️ is official in the most countries in the world, and is the official language of all international institutions. French is the only one language of UN and diplomacy, the official language of NATO and EU and other fields such as aeronautics (that was invented by the French people). It is spoken by a third of billion people throughout all the continent (the only one language to have been spread that much with English).
Any chance they'll be a entire history of Scotland 🤌🏴
Don’t forget British overseas territories
british sending thr frogs packing, standard stuff.
France is not an empire since 2nd empire (ending 1870) but a republic. Moreover, since 70's end of decolonisation all extra continental territories people have choice to stay or leave the republic. And guess what, most choose to stay.
Noice video
Funny how hard is it to fimd equivalent in French.
The both French Colonial Empire 🇫🇷 were in reality bigger than shown on the video, even the Napoleonic Empire (adding the submitted states and colonies) was colossal. French Colonial Empire was the largest on Earth in 1945.
Hegemony is pronounced with a hard G.
I think it’s pronounced Hedge Money
I think it’s pronounced hog monster.
Vive la France 🎉🇨🇵🌅
French Colonial Empire 🇫🇷 was the biggest of the world in 1945 !
Alhamdulillah. Great to learn from all cultures
France is particularly loved in Algeria and Vietnam.
You crazy
Don't say that Indochine and Algeria are the same. The causes were not the same.
With Vietnam the relationship is not bad at all.
@sylvaincroissant7650 of course there's no relationship with France to begin with
@@decodedpsyop the comment makes it look as if there is "hatred"
That's simply not the case.
And you have a diaspora of vietnamese in France and they don't have a chip on their shoulders. They are lovely to deal with.
This is not as if say the Americans had no problem with the Mexicans, with the open goal or taking back the American southwest. And it looks as though it is a question of not so long...
france owes all these territories reparations
France brought modernity and development to these countries....it is not the fault of the French if these nations have left everything abandoned since the French left....you have done your choice, don't come crying today.